La Casa del Presidente

La Casa del Presidente, Ávila: A Glimpse into History and Luxury within the Walls

La Casa del Presidente in Ávila, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its luxurious atmosphere, exceptional service, and prime location within the historic city walls. Guests frequently describe their stays as a "five-star experience" and "excellent".

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating their experience as "Exceptional" (scoring 9.5 and above on various platforms). Reviewers often highlight a feeling of being pampered and a "home away from home" experience, despite the opulent surroundings.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of La Casa del Presidente:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff's kindness, attentiveness, and helpfulness are recurrent themes in reviews.
• Location: Situated within the ancient walls of Ávila, the hotel offers unparalleled access to major attractions and a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel, once the residence of Spain's first democratically elected president, Adolfo Suárez, is praised for its elegant and warm luxury, blending historical significance with modern design. Its curated design and historical elements, including the former president's office now serving as the lobby, add a unique charm.
• Amenities: The seasonal outdoor pool set amidst beautiful gardens, a library, and free Wi-Fi are highly appreciated. On-site secure parking is also a noted convenience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at La Casa del Presidente are described as spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. Many feature king-size beds and elegant, large bathrooms equipped with both a generous walk-in shower and a separate soaking tub, often offering splendid views. Designer toiletries and espresso makers are also provided. Some rooms boast views of Ávila's iconic walls, and upgrading to a suite can guarantee this experience. The air conditioning is noted as efficient and quiet.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is a significant highlight, particularly the breakfast. Guests rave about the quality and deliciousness of the breakfast, often noting it is served rather than buffet style, featuring local and natural products. The on-site fine-dining restaurant, Caleña, led by Chef Diego Sanz, focuses on local Castilian cuisine, specializing in traditional dishes like spooning, stews, and pickles, presented with a contemporary touch. The French omelette, a favorite of Adolfo Suárez, is also on the menu. Caleña has even been awarded a Sol Repsol.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff receive consistent accolades, with guests frequently describing them as "excellent," "friendly," "helpful," and "attentive." The team is praised for creating a warm and welcoming environment, making guests feel well-cared for from arrival to departure.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Casa del Presidente boasts an exceptional location in the Old Town of Ávila, directly adjacent to and even incorporating parts of the medieval walls within its gardens. This central position provides easy walking access to key attractions such as Convento de Santa Teresa, the Walls of Ávila, Tower of Los Guzmanes, Palacio de Polentinos, and Church of San Juan Bautista. The hotel is about a 23-minute walk from Ávila train station. For those arriving by car, the hotel offers self-parking for a fee. Madrid-Barajas Airport is approximately 120 kilometers away, with direct train connections to Ávila available.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury hotel, La Casa del Presidente's pricing reflects its high quality and unique offering. Average nightly rates for a stay can range from approximately $204 to $294, though prices are subject to change and vary by season, with February often being the cheapest month and May the most expensive. While considered a luxury experience, guests generally feel it is worth the cost, particularly given the exceptional service, historic ambiance, and prime location.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some guest feedback occasionally mentions:

• Room Size: A few reviews have indicated that some rooms might be smaller than expected.
• Limited Dining Options: There have been mentions of limited dining options at certain times, with one guest noting the dining room was closed and no other cafeteria options were available during an afternoon arrival.
• Additional Costs: Some guests have found the breakfast to be expensive if not included, and parking incurs an extra charge.
• Policy Enforcement: One review mentioned strict policies regarding late check-out and early check-in, and a smoking penalty threat.
• Soundproofing: An isolated comment noted poor soundproofing in some rooms.

Sources

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12. guiarepsol.com